This paper examines the idea, sometimes expressed by agri-economic policy researchers, that it is becoming increasingly difficult to analyse and evaluate the agricultural sector policies that are operating or being considered for implementation in the EU. It discusses some of the reasons why this perception may have arisen, and tries to find reasons for it in particular developments and features of the current policy environment. No unambiguous answer is offered for the question posed in the title, but nonetheless the paper concludes on a note of cautious optimism.